In a heartbreaking incident, Muhsin Hendricks, the world’s first openly gay imam, was shot dead in South Africa. The 57-year-old Hendricks was a leading figure who founded a mosque in Cape Town designed to be a safe space for gay Muslims and other marginalized groups.
According to media reports, Hendricks was gunned down on Saturday morning when his car was ambushed near Gqeberha, a city in southern South Africa. Police confirmed that two unknown suspects with covered faces got out of a vehicle and started firing multiple shots at Hendricks' car. The incident was captured on CCTV footage, which has since been circulated on social media.
Hendricks was a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and faced opposition from Islamic radicals throughout his life. His efforts to create safe spaces for LGBTQ+ Muslims made him a pivotal figure in the fight for inclusivity. The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) expressed concern that the killing may have been a hate crime and urged authorities to fully investigate the incident.
The loss of Muhsin Hendricks has left the LGBTQ+ community in shock and mourning. His legacy as a courageous and outspoken advocate for gay rights will continue to inspire many.